Serendipity is how former Shelly Beach launch tower controller Tommy Barnard described it.

Lennox Waters didn’t say much, just smiled gratefully and scratched his dog’s Sally’s furry head, while she looked up hoping for a snack.

Yster Smal wore a grin from Cape to Cairo and laughed heartily, taking in the joy of the moment.
The three men were together at the Roadhouse in Margate recently where Yster handed over a new wheelchair for Lennox to use.

Twenty years ago, Lennox had travelled to the store in Margate from the old Sunlawns Hotel to get some groceries and odds and ends for residents living there.

On his way back he was hit by a car. He knew immediately he was in trouble, his lower leg at a horrible angle.

Tommy was his first call and he came to help, taking him to hospital in Port Shepstone.

“He’d already given me grey hair, this just added to it.”

Lennox endured a long surgery and although doctors tried, they ultimately had to amputate part of his right leg.
He recalls the incident, saying it was two young men, probably a few years out of school.

They stayed on the scene, he explained, but he never heard from them again, other than a call from the family while he was in hospital to enquire if he had survived.

Lennox says he has forgiven them long ago. “There’s no point doing anything different, how’s it going to help.”

Tommy has often wondered what became of them. Perhaps they have become successful in their adult lives.
Fast forward to 2026.

Lennox, who repairs things like sewing machines and lawn mowers for a living, and Tommy, who is retired, are still good mates and enjoy catching up at the popular Roadhouse.

They happened to be there one day, not too long ago, when Yster, who had been visiting a school friend in Margate, walked in and saw Lennox in his wheelchair.

Yster said it was looking decidedly worse for the wear.

The big man with an even bigger heart is from upcountry but is currently based in Lesotho.
He spends his time working with charities, in particular sourcing wheelchairs for those who need them.

He explained that he does what he can to help and the recipients are usually former army men or rugby players who have been injured.

“I thought this man must be an army veteran who I somehow missed, but it couldn’t be because I know all of them,” he said.

To bring the story to a close, Yster organised a new wheelchair for Lennox. Both were thrilled.

“It’s comfy, for sure,” said Lennox with a smile. Does it have a motor? “No need, 1-man power!”

His ‘shadow’ Sally seemed to agree, refusing to leave his side. She been Lennox’s companion for nearly 15 years, first arriving as a tiny puppy who used to perch herself on his shoulder.

The wheelchair handover took a few hours, interspersed by coffee, breakfast, more coffee and finally an ale, before all parted company, greatly enriched.

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